Elongated illumination device

ABSTRACT

An elongated illumination device, which in one illustrative embodiment, includes an elongated member that receives an elongated light source, where the elongated member is received by an elongated carrier. Preferably, the elongated member includes a cavity for receiving the elongated light source, and further includes a slit through the elongated member and into the cavity where the elongated light source can be inserted through the slit and into the cavity. The elongated carrier may include a slot for receiving the elongated member, and in some embodiments, the slot may provide a closing force to the slit of the elongated member. A latching mechanism may also be provided to help keep the slit in a closed or substantially closed position, if desired.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/991,078, filed Nov. 16, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,655,824,which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/372,643, filed Aug. 11, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,371,634, both ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to lights, and more particularly, to lights forilluminating, protecting and/or increasing the visual appeal of anobject or surface.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a lighting apparatus that may be used toilluminate an object or surface. In one illustrative embodiment, thelight apparatus is used to help improve the visibility of a vehicle byilluminating one or more side surfaces of the vehicle. The side surfacesof many vehicles provide a relatively large area that, when illuminated,can significantly increase the visibility of the vehicle, especially atnight. It is believed that by providing such visibility, vehicle safetycan be significantly improved.

In other illustrative embodiments, the light apparatus may be used toilluminate other objects or equipment including, for example, retailand/or store shelving and/or equipment, bars, desks, counters, walls,railings, steps, and/or any other object or surface, as desired. In someembodiments, the lighting apparatus includes a bumper. When so provided,the lighting apparatus may help provide a level of protection to objectsand/or surfaces that are subject to bumping, sliding or other abuse. Inother illustrative embodiments, the lighting apparatus may be used toincrease the visual appeal of an object or surface, such as a wall, atoy, an appliance or any other object, as desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects of the present invention and many of the attendantadvantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as thesame becomes better understood by reference to the following detaileddescription when considered in connection with the accompanyingdrawings, in which like reference numerals designate like partsthroughout the figures thereof and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a boat having a first illustrative boatlighting apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a boat having another illustrative boatlighting apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a boat hull having a number of boatlights, each directing light rays in a downward direction;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a boat hull having a number of boatlights, each directing light rays in an upward direction;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a boat hull having a number of boatlights, each directing light rays in forward and backward direction;

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a boat hullhaving an illustrative elongated light apparatus;

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a boat hull havinganother illustrative boat lighting apparatus;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another illustrative boat lightingapparatus in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a boat hull having aboat lighting apparatus incorporated into a side bumper assembly;

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a boat hull having aboat lighting apparatus incorporated into an outward extending hullportion;

FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a boat hull having atelescoping boat lighting apparatus;

FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a boat hull having athreaded boat lighting apparatus;

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of an illustrative circuit for powering theone or more light sources of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of another illustrative circuit for poweringthe one or more light sources of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a timing diagram showing one illustrative energizing schemeprovided by the control block of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a timing diagram showing another illustrative energizingscheme provided by the control block of FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a personal watercraft having a boatlighting apparatus mounted thereto;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative lightingapparatus that includes a bumper member;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative lightingapparatus that includes a bumper member, wherein at least a portion ofthe bumper member is adapted to transmit light;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional side view of another illustrative lightingapparatus that includes a bumper member, wherein the bumper member isadapted to receive a light source and transmit light;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative lightingapparatus that includes a carrier and a bumper member, wherein thecarrier is adapted to receive a light source;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional side view of another illustrative lightingapparatus that includes a carrier that is adapted to receive a lightsource;

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional side view of yet another illustrativelighting apparatus that includes a carrier that is adapted to receive alight source;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative Fresnel lensthat may be used in accordance various embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional side view of another illustrative lightingapparatus that includes a carrier that is adapted to receive a lightsource;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional side view of another illustrative lightingapparatus that includes a carrier that is adapted to receive a lightsource;

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional side view of another illustrative lightingapparatus that includes a carrier, wherein the carrier includes aparabolic shaped recess for receiving a light source;

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional side view of another illustrative lightingapparatus that includes a carrier and a bumper member, wherein thecarrier includes a recess for receiving a light source;

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional side view of another illustrative lightingapparatus that includes a two piece carrier, wherein the first pieceincludes a recess for receiving a light source and the second pieceprovides a cover for the recess;

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional side view of another illustrative lightingapparatus in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional side view of yet another illustrativelighting apparatus in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 32 is a schematic view of a truck with an illustrative lightingapparatus mounted to the side thereof;

FIG. 33 is a schematic view of an object that has an illustrativelighting apparatus mounted to the side thereof;

FIG. 34 is a schematic view of a tow line that includes an illustrativelighting apparatus in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional side view of another illustrative lightingapparatus in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 36A is a cross-sectional side view of the elongated bumper member(or insert) 700 of FIG. 35, with the slit 706 in the closed position;

FIG. 36B is a cross-sectional side view of the elongated bumper member(or insert) of FIG. 35, with the slit in an open position;

FIG. 36C is a cross-sectional side view of the insert of FIG. 35, withthe slit in an open position and with a slit latching mechanism;

FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional side view of another illustrative lightingapparatus in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative rub-rail withnubs in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative lightingapparatus with nubs in accordance the present invention;

FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative lightingapparatus for receiving an elongated light source;

FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional side view of another illustrative lightingapparatus for receiving an elongated light source;

FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional side view of yet another illustrativelighting apparatus for receiving an elongated light source;

FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional side view of another illustrative lightingapparatus for receiving an elongated light source;

FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative lightingapparatus with one or more legs for securing the lighting apparatus to asubstrate;

FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional side view of another illustrative lightingapparatus with one or more legs for securing the lighting apparatus to asubstrate;

FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional side view of the illustrative lightingapparatus of FIG. 45 with the one or more legs inserted through asubstrate;

FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional side view of yet another illustrativelighting apparatus attached to a substrate;

FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative lightingapparatus for securing an elongated light source to a substrate;

FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative lightingapparatus for use with a stair or other ledge;

FIG. 50 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative appliance having anelongated light source positioned along the body of the appliance;

FIG. 51 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative toy having anelongated light source positioned along the body of the toy; and

FIG. 52 is a schematic diagram of a solar powered lighting apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a boat 10 having a first illustrativeboat lighting apparatus in accordance with the present invention. Theboat is generally shown at 10, and includes an upper deck 11 extendingover a hull 16. The hull 16 extends generally down from the upper deck11 toward an expected water line 13. The hull 16 may also extendgenerally inward, as shown.

Prior art navigation lights typically include forward running lights 12and a rear masthead light 14. The forward running lights 12 typicallyinclude a red port light and a green starboard light. In many cases, theforward running lights 12 are provided in a relatively small housingmounted to the front of the boat. The rear masthead light 14 is shownmounted higher than the forward running lights 12, and is visible fromthe front of the boat.

This lighting configuration may be adequate for experienced boaterstraveling in relatively low traffic waterways under good weatherconditions. However, under other conditions, they are less desirable.Many of today's waterways are extremely crowded, often occupied withhigh powered boats driven by inexperienced and inattentive boaters.

Safely operating a boat at night under these conditions can be achallenge. Depth perception is limited, and lights along the shorelinecan cast misleading reflections on the water. In many instances, simplyidentifying boats via the forward running lights 12 and the mastheadlight 14 can be difficult, let along determining the size, direction,speed, and other factors needed to safely travel the waterways.

To augment the basic running lights 12 and 14 shown in FIG. 1, thepresent invention contemplates providing a boat lighting apparatus thatimproves the visibility of a boat by illuminating one or more sidesurfaces of the hull 16 of the boat 10. The hull 16 of the boat providesa relatively large area that, when illuminated, can significantlyincrease the visibility of a boat 10. In addition, the size, direction,and speed of a boat 10 can more readily be determined, even by novice orinattentive boaters. It is believed that by providing such visibility,boat safety can be significantly improved.

In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a boat lightingapparatus 18 is provided along the length of the hull 16 of the boat 10.The boat lighting apparatus 18 includes one or more light sources forproducing light rays 20. The boat lighting apparatus 18 may be mountedto the boat and configured such that at least a portion of the lightrays 20 illuminate a portion of the hull 16. In the embodiment shown,the boat lighting apparatus 18 provides light rays 20 that illuminate asubstantial portion of the outer surface of the hull 16. Although notshown, the boat lighting apparatus 18 may continue around the perimeterof the boat hull 16, and illuminate both side surfaces of the hull andthe back surface of the hull. The boat lighting apparatus 18 may providea different color light for each side of the boat, such as a red lighton the port side, a green light on the starboard side and a while lighton the back side.

It is contemplated that the boat lighting apparatus 18 may or may notinclude a redirector (see below) for redirecting at least a portion ofthe light rays 20 to the side surface of the hull 16. The redirector mayalso prevent at least a portion of the light rays from travelinghorizontally away and/or upward from the hull 16 of the boat 10.

A method of the present invention includes the steps of providing one ormore light sources, and mounting the one or more light sources to theboat such that when energized, the one or more light sources illuminatea side surface of the hull 16.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a boat having another illustrative boatlighting apparatus. The boat is generally shown at 30, and includes anupper deck 31 extending over a hull 32. The hull 32 extends generallydown from the upper deck 31 toward an expected water line 34. The hull32 may also extends generally inward, as shown. In this embodiment, anumber of boat lights 36 a, 36 b, 36 c and 36 d are mounted to the hull32 of the boat 30. Boat lights 36 a and 36 b are mounted to thestarboard side of the hull 32, and boat lights 36 c and 36 d are mountedto the back of the hull 32.

In the illustrative embodiment, each of the boat lights 36 a, 36 b, 36 cand 36 d includes at least one light source for producing a number oflight rays and an elongated carrier for carrying the at least one lightsources. The elongated carrier is preferably adapted for directing thelight rays down to the boat hull 32 along a longitudinally extendingaxis, wherein the longitudinally extending axis has a length that issubstantially longer than the width of the carrier, as shown. FIGS. 3-5below show a number of illustrative placements for the lights of, forexample, FIGS. 2, 6-12, 18-31, and 35-48.

It is also contemplated that when the upper deck 31 includes one or morerelatively vertically extending surfaces, additional boat lights 38 maybe provided to illuminate these side surfaces as well. This may evenfurther increase the visibility of the boat 30.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a boat hull having a number of boatlights, each directing light rays in a downward direction. Whilerectangular shaped boat lights are shown, it is contemplated that theboat lights may assume any desired shape. A hull is illustrated at 40with a number of boat lights 40 a, 40 b, 40 c and 40 d mounted thereto.Boat lights 40 a and 40 b are shown mounted near the top of hull 40 andprovide light rays in a generally downward direction. Boat lights 40 cand 40 d are shown mounted in an intermediate location on hull 40, andalso provide light rays in a generally downward direction.

It is recognized that only the upper row of boat lights 40 a and 40 bmay be necessary to illuminate the boat hull 40 down to the expectedwater line. Some hull designs may curve significantly inward toward theexpected water line. For these boat hulls, it has been found that waterat the water line of the boat may reflect some of the light provided bythe upper row of boat lights 40 a and 40 b toward the hull of the boat.In some embodiments, one or more lower rows of boat lights, such as boatlights 40 c and 40 d, may be provided to help illuminate the lowerportion of the boat hull 40, if desired.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a boat hull having a number of boatlights, each directing light rays in an upward direction. A hull isillustrated at 46 with a number of boat lights 48 a and 48 b mountedthereto. Boat lights 48 a and 48 b are shown mounted on a lower portionof hull 46, and provide light rays in a generally upward direction.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a boat hull having a number of boatlights, each directing light rays in forward and backward direction. Ahull is illustrated at 50 with a number of boat lights 52 a and 52 bmounted thereto. Boat lights 52 a and 52 b are shown mounted on the hull50, and may provide light rays in either a forward direction, a backwarddirection, or both. For example, boat light 52 a may provide light rays54 a in a generally backward direction, light rays 54 b in a generallyforward direction, or both.

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a boat hull 60having an illustrative elongated boat lighting apparatus 66. The boathull 60 includes a generally downward extending portion 62 that extendsto an expected water line 64. The boat hull 60 may also include a bumperassembly 70 for protecting the boat hull 60 from docks or the like. Thebumper assembly 70 is shown mounted on a top portion of the downwardextending portion 62 of the boat hull 60 via mounting bolt 72.

The elongated boat lighting apparatus 66 is shown mounted to thedownward extending portion 62 just below the bumper assembly 70. Theelongated boat lighting apparatus 66 includes at least one light sourcefor producing a number of light rays as shown, and an elongated carrierfor carrying the at least one light source. The elongated carrier ispreferably at least partially transparent to allow the light raysproduced by the one or more light source to exit the carrier. In theembodiment shown, the light rays exit the carrier in various directionsincluding down to the downward extending portion 62 of the boat hull 60,horizontally away from the boat hull 60, and upward toward the bumperassembly 70. However, in some embodiments, a redirector (not shown) maybe positioned adjacent the top and outer side of the carrier to redirectsubstantially all of the light rays to the downward extending portion 62of the boat hull 60. The redirector may include, for example, a separateshield placed around the top and outer side of the carrier, a reflectivecoating positioned on the top and outer side surface of the carrier, orportions of the carrier may be made non-transparent. Alternatively, orin addition, the elongated boat lighting apparatus 66 may beincorporated into the bumper assembly 70, similar to that shown in FIG.9.

It is contemplated that the one or more light sources 88 (as well as theother light sources referenced throughout the drawings) may be any typeof light source including an incandescent light source, a fluorescentlight source, a light emitting diode (LED), any type of laser includingone or more vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSEL), a phosphormaterial, a glow in the dark material, or any other type of lightsource, either active or passive, that is capable of producing visiblelight.

In some embodiments, the one or more light sources may include anelongated light source, such as an electro-luminescent wire. One suchelectro-luminescent wire is commercially available from SolutionIndustries, located in Cypress, Tex., under the Trademark Flex Wire®.Another such electro-luminescent wire is commercially available fromELAM Electro-luminescent Industries Ltd., located in Jerusalem, Israel,under the Trademark LyTec™. Alternatively, or in addition, the one ormore light sources may be a string of light sources, such as a string ofincandescent light sources. One such string of light sources isavailable from Light Tech, Inc., located in Grand Rapids, Mich.

It is also contemplated the one or more light sources may include alight guide, such as a solid or multi-strand fiber optic cable or anyother type of light transmitting medium that can transmit light rays.When so provided, the actual source of light may be located remotely, ifdesired, and coupled to the fiber optic cable or other type of lighttransmitting medium that can deliver the light rays to the desiredlocation. One particularly suitable fiber optic cable is a linearemitting fiber, which emits light out of the side of the fiber. One suchlinear emitting fiber is available from Lumenyte InternationalCorporation, Irvine, Calif., under the Trademark STA-FLEX® LEF™ LinearEmitting Fiber. More information on Linear Emitting Fibers can be foundin, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,289,150, 6,282,355, 6,251,311,5,987,199, 5,937,127, 5,903,695, U.S. Pat. No. Re. 36,157, all of whichare incorporated herein by reference. Traditional fiber optical cablemay also be used, if desired.

It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the light source mayinclude a UV stabilizer, UV absorber and/or UV filter. For example, somecommercially available electro-luminescent wires include a polymercoating or sleeve over the electro-luminescent material. It iscontemplated that the polymer coating or sleeve may include a UVstabilizer, UV absorber and/or UV filter to help limit the deteriorationof the polymer coating and/or electro-luminescent material. A preferredUV absorber is Sanduvor PR25, available from Clariant Corp., Charlotte,N.C., which operates using photoreactive chemistry. However, other UVstabilizers, UV absorbers, and UV filters may be used, as desired.

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a boat hull havinganother illustrative boat lighting apparatus. The boat hull 80 includesa generally downward extending portion 82 that extends to an expectedwater line. The boat hull 80 may also include a bumper assembly 100 forprotecting the boat hull 80 from docks or the like. The bumper assembly100 is shown mounted on a top portion of the downward extending portion82 of the boat hull 80 via mounting bolt 106.

In the illustrative embodiment, boat lighting apparatus 84 is mounted tothe downward extending portion 82, just below the bumper assembly 100.The boat lighting apparatus 84 includes one or more light sources 88 forproviding light rays, a housing 86 for carrying the light source 88, anda mount 91 for mounting the housing 86 to the boat. The mount 91 isshown bolted to the side of the downward extending portion 82 of thehull via a bolt or screw 92. It is contemplated, however, that anynumber of means may be used to attach the mount to the boat including anadhesive or the like.

The housing 86 preferably has at least one opening 90 for directing thelight rays 94 to at least a portion of the hull of the boat. In theillustrative embodiment shown, the housing 86 includes a wall thatextends around three sides of the light source 88, leaving the oneopening 90 on the fourth downward side. Such a configuration not onlyhelps direct the light rays 94 toward the hull of the boat, but alsohelps prevent at least a portion of the light rays from travelinglaterally away from the hull of the boat. The inside surface of thehousing 86 may be reflective, and may be shaped to help redirect thelight rays 94 in a downward direction toward the hull of the boat. Thehousing 86 may also include a bracket (not shown) for carrying the oneor more light sources 88.

A transparent or semi-transparent plate may be positioned across theopening 90. The transparent or semi-transparent plate may be constructedas a lens or the like to help redirect and/or focus the light on thehull of the boat. It is also contemplated that the transparent orsemi-transparent plate may include a pattern provided thereon or thereinto cause an image to be projected onto the hull of the boat. Finally,the transparent or semitransparent plate may help protect the one ormore light sources 88 from water or other undesirable environmentalconditions.

In some embodiments, the transparent or semi-transparent plate mayinclude a UV stabilizer, UV absorber and/or UV filter. The remainder ofthe housing 86 may also include a UV stabilizer, UV absorber and/or UVfilter. This may help prevent deterioration of the transparent orsemi-transparent plate and/or housing 86, and may limit the amount of UVradiation that engages the one or more light sources. This may helpextend the life of the light assembly, especially when exposed to sunlight. It is contemplated that UV stabilizers, UV absorbers and/or UVfilters may be applied to the carriers, housings, light sources, andother parts of the various embodiments disclosed herein, as desired.

To enhance the illumination of the hull of the boat, it is contemplatedthat a reflective medium 96 may be provided in or on the outer surfaceof the boat as shown. The reflective medium preferably helps reflect thelight rays 94 laterally outward and away from the hull of the boat toenhance the visibility of the boat. It is contemplated that thereflective medium may be patterned to form an image. The image may be,for example, the name of the boat, advertising logos or any otherdesired image.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another illustrative boat lightingapparatus in accordance with the present invention. This illustrativeboat lighting apparatus includes a round housing 120 that has an outerplate 122 and an inner plate 124. The inner plate 124 is preferablypositioned adjacent the boat hull when installed, and includes a hole128 for receiving wires or the like to power a local light source. Whilea round housing is shown, it is contemplated that the housing 120 may beany shape.

A side plate 126 extends around part of the perimeter of the outer plate122 and the inner plate 124. In the embodiment shown, the side plate 126extends around the perimeter of about the upper half of the outer plate122 and inner plate 124, leaving the perimeter around the lower halfopen. A light source (not shown) is preferably provided in the spacebetween the outer plate 122 and the inner plate 124. In thisconfiguration, the outer plate 122, inner plate 124 and side plate 126help redirect the light rays provided by the light source downwardthrough the opening toward the hull of the boat.

A transparent or semi-transparent plate 130 may extends around the lowerperimeter of the outer plate 122 and the inner plate 124. Thetransparent or semitransparent plate 130 helps protect the light sourcefrom water and other undesirable environmental conditions. It iscontemplated that the transparent or semi-transparent plate may beconfigured as a lens or the like to help focus or redirect the lightrays to the hull of the boat. One such transparent or semi-transparentplate is illustrated at 132, and has an outer surface 134 that tapersinward toward the boat. Because the lens is thicker away from the boat,the light rays traveling parallel to the hull of the boat are refractedmore than those light rays that are already traveling toward the hull ofthe boat. This may help increase the illumination of the hull of theboat.

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a boat hull with yetanother boat lighting apparatus. This embodiment is similar to thatshown in FIG. 7, but has the boat lighting apparatus integrated orincorporated into the bumper assembly 144. The bumper assembly 144includes a flexible bumper guard 146 attached to an elongated housing148. The elongated housing 148 is attached to the hull of the boat via abolt or screw 150. The elongated housing 148 preferably has a cavitytherein for receiving one or more light sources 152. The cavity ispreferably open along the lower surface thereof to allow the light rays158 to illuminate the hull of the boat.

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a boat hull having aboat lighting apparatus incorporated into an outward extending hullportion. In this embodiment, the boat hull 180 includes an outwardextending hull portion 184. The boat lighting apparatus 190 may then beprovided in a cavity 192 provided in the lower surface of the outwardextending hull portion 184. Alternatively, a boat lighting apparatussimilar to that shown in FIG. 7, for example, may be mounted to a lowersurface 193 of the outward extending hull portion 184 to illuminate thehull of the boat.

FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a boat hull having atelescoping boat lighting apparatus. In this embodiment, the boatlighting apparatus 210 has a housing that includes a telescoping leverfor allowing the light source to be selectively pulled laterally awayfrom the boat. When extended, the light source is further away from theboat hull, thereby increasing the angle of incidence of the light rays218 at the hull of the boat. By increasing the angle of incidence, theamount of light that is reflected laterally away from the boat may beincreased, thereby increasing the visibility of the hull. Whencontracted, the boat lighting apparatus 210 is preferably safely out ofthe way to reduce the chance that the boat lighting apparatus 210 willbecome damaged by other boats, docks or the like.

FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a boat hull having athreaded boat lighting apparatus. In this embodiment, the boat lightingapparatus 258 includes a threaded end 262. The threaded end 262preferably is adapted to engage a threaded hole in the hull of the boat.This allows the boat lighting apparatus 258 to be easily removed fromthe hull of the boat during, for example, daylight hours. In theillustrative embodiment, the boat lighting apparatus 258 is mounted nearthe top of the hull 250 so that boater inside the boat can easily removethe lights. In this configuration, a laterally extending portion 256 maybe provided to extend the light source a sufficient distance away fromthe boat hull to adequately illuminate the hull of the boat. While theboat lighting apparatus 258 is shown mounted near the top of the hull250, it is contemplated that the boat lighting apparatus 258 may bemounted anywhere on the boat, including further down on the downwardextending portion 252.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of an illustrative circuit for powering theone or more light sources of the present invention. In the embodimentshown, a power source 300 is coupled to one or more light sources 304 aand 304 b via switch 302. The one or more light sources 304 a and 304 bare preferably coupled in a parallel configuration with power source300, as shown. This allows each light source 304 a and 304 b to continueto operate even when one or more of the remaining light sources bums outor otherwise becomes damaged. The power source 300 may be any type ofpower source, but preferably is the boat battery, the boat alternator,or any other type of power source that is capable of properly drivingthe one or more light sources 304 a and 304 b.

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of another illustrative circuit for poweringthe one or more light sources of the present invention. In thisembodiment, an electronic control circuit 320 provides power to each ofa number of light sources 324 a, 324 b and 324 c.

The electronic control circuit receives power from a power source 322,and may be any type of control circuit that provides the desiredfunctionality. Preferably, the control circuit is a simple statemachine, a microprocessor, or any other type of control circuit.

FIG. 15 is a timing diagram showing one illustrative energizing schemethat can be provided by the control circuit 320 of FIG. 14. In thisillustrative embodiment, the control circuit 320 simultaneously providesenergizing pulses 330, 332 and 334 to light sources 324 a, 324 b and 324c, respectively, for example at time 336. Each of the energizing pulses330, 332 and 334 has the same duration. Accordingly, this causes each ofthe light sources 324 a, 324 b and 324 c to blink “on” during thecorresponding energizing pulse, and “off” after the energizing pulseterminates. After a time period, all of the light sources 324 a, 324 band 324 c are again energized. This causes each of the light sources 324a, 324 b and 324 c to simultaneously blink “on” and “off”. It isbelieved that a blinking light may increase the visibility of the hull,especially for inattentive boaters.

FIG. 16 is a timing diagram showing another illustrative energizingscheme that can be provided by the control circuit 320 of FIG. 14. Inthis illustrative embodiment, each of the light sources is energized ina sequential manner. For example, light source 324 a is energized byenergizing pulse 340 at time 342. Later, light source 324 b is energizedby energizing pulse 344 at time 346. Finally, light source 324 c isenergized. This sequence may be repeated. In a preferred embodiment, thelight sources 324 a, 324 b and 324 c are spaced longitudinally along thelength of the boat. By illuminating the light sources in sequence, amoving or sweeping pattern may be generated across the hull of the boat.This may further increase the visibility of the hull of the boat. It isrecognized that the embodiments shown in FIGS. 14-16 are onlyillustrative, and that numerous other lighting sequences can be used.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a personal watercraft having one ormore boat lights 402 and 404 mounted thereto. Boat lights 402 and 404are preferably similar to that described herein and preferablyilluminate at least a portion of the side surfaces of the personalwatercraft. While a personal watercraft is shown in FIG. 17, it iscontemplated that the boat lighting apparatus of the present inventionmay be used to light the side surfaces of airplanes, snowmobiles,automobiles, all terrain vehicles, or any other type of “vehicle” asthat term is used in the most general sense, to increase theirvisibility to outside observers.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional side view of another illustrative lightingapparatus of the present invention. The illustrative lighting apparatusis generally shown at 410, and includes a carrier 412, a bumper member414, and a light source 416. The carrier 412 includes a back support420, a top support 422 and a bottom support 424, as shown. The terms“back”, “bottom” and “top” are only used herein as relative terms tohelp describe the Figures. They are not intended to imply that thebottom support 420 must be below the top support 422 when the carrier412 is actually mounted to an object. The top support 422 and bottomsupport 424 are shown extending from the top 426 and bottom 428 ends,respectively, of the back support 420 in a leftward direction. The topsupport 422 and bottom support 424 terminate to define a gap or slot 430therebetween.

The bumper member 414 is shown positioned in the gap or slot 430. Thebumper member 414 preferably has an outer facing portion 432 that issized to fit into the slot 430, and one or more inner facing legs 434 aand 434 b that extend into the cavity formed by the top support 422 andbottom support 424 of the carrier 412. The one or more legs 434 a and434 b preferably have a dimension that exceeds the lateral dimension ofthe slot 430, which helps secure the bumper member 414 to the carrier412. In some embodiments, the bumper member 414 and/or carrier 412 areat least somewhat deformable, so that the bumper member 414 and/or theelongated carrier 412 can or must be elastically deformed (e.g bent orotherwise deformed) to allow the one or more legs 434 a and 434 b of thebumper member 414 to slip through the slot 430. The bumper member 414may also have one or more holes or lumens 440 a and 440 b. These holesor lumens 440 a and 440 b may decrease the rigidness of the bumpermember 414, as desired.

In one illustrative embodiment, the back support 420, top support 422and bottom support 424 of the carrier 412 are integrally formed byextrusion, although this is not required. In some embodiments, the backsupport 420, top support 422 and bottom support 424 of the carrier 412are made from a relatively rigid material, such as Vinyl, PVC, aluminum,or any other suitable material.

The bumper member 414 may also be formed by extruding a material such asVinyl, PVC, rubber, or any other suitable material. However, like above,this is not required. Preferably, the bumper member 414 is formed from asofter material than the carrier 412, but this is also not required.

In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 18, the carrier 412 has aninner support member 436 that is curved to form a light receivingopening or cavity 438. In the illustrative embodiment, the inner supportmember 436 is adapted to receive and secure an elongated light source416. In a preferred embodiment, the elongated light source 416 is anelectro-luminescent wire or a Linear emitting fiber, as detailed above.However, it is contemplated that the elongated light source 416 may beany type of light source, including those discussed above.

The inner support member 436 may be at least partially transparent ornon-transparent. When the inner support member 436 is non-transparent,the light emitted by the light source is directed in a downwarddirection toward the bottom support 424 of the carrier 412. When soprovided, at least a portion of the bottom support 424 is preferably atleast partially transparent. This may be accomplished by, for example,forming the bottom support 424 or a portion thereof from a material thatis at least semi-transparent. Alternatively, holes or slots may beprovided in the bottom support 424 to allow the light to pass throughthe bottom support 424. In some embodiments, the holes or slots may bespaced holes or slots that are spaced along the length of the bottomsupport 424. Such spaced holes or slots may be formed by, for example,periodically interrupting the extrusion material along the bottomsupport 424. Other methods may also be used, such as cutting, drillingor otherwise forming spaced holes or slots. Spaced holes or slots may beused in other embodiments described herein, if desired.

In some embodiments, the back support 420, top support 422 and bottomsupport 424 may be formed from a transparent or semi-transparentmaterial. In other embodiments, only selected portions may be formedfrom a transparent or semitransparent material. For example, the bottomsupport 424, or portion thereof, may be formed from a transparent orsemi-transparent material. In this latter case, the back support 420,top support 422 and bottom support 424 may be co-extruded using anon-transparent and transparent or semi-transparent material, with thetransparent or semitransparent material corresponding to the portionthat is to transmit light. Alternatively, the bottom support 424, or theportion thereof that is to pass light, may be separately formed andsubsequently attached, if desired.

In another illustrative embodiment, the inner support member 436 or aportion thereof may be made from a transparent or semi-transparentmaterial to pass light toward the bumper member 414. In thisillustrative embodiment, the bumper member 414, or a portion thereof,may also be formed from a transparent or semi-transparent material. Whenso provided, the light from the light source 416 may pass through theinner support member 436, through the bumper member 414, and away fromthe carrier 412. In use, the back support 420 is preferably positionedadjacent a mounting surface and mounted thereto.

It is contemplated that the bumper member 414 and/or carrier 412, orparts thereof, may be made using materials of different colors, asdesired. Also, it is contemplated that the light source may be selectedto produce a desired color of light.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional side view of another illustrative lightingapparatus of the present invention. The illustrative lighting apparatusincludes a carrier 450, a bumper member 452, and a light source 454. Thecarrier 450 includes a back support 456, a top support 458 and a bottomsupport 460, as shown. The top support 458 and bottom support 460 areshown extending from the top and bottom ends, respectively, of the backsupport 456 in a leftward direction. The top support 458 and bottomsupport 460 terminate to define a gap or slot 462 therebetween.

The bumper member 452 is shown positioned in the gap or slot 462, asdescribed above. In the illustrative embodiment, the back surface 464 ofthe bumper member 452 and the front surface 466 of the back support 456are shaped to form a light receiving channel, opening or cavity. In theillustrative embodiment, the light receiving channel, opening or cavityis adapted to receive and secure an elongated light source 454. It iscontemplated that the elongated light source 454 may be any type oflight source, including those identified herein.

The bumper member 452, or a portion thereof, is preferably formed from atransparent or semi-transparent material. When so provided, the lightfrom the light source 454 may pass through the bumper member 452, andaway from the carrier 450 as shown by lines 468.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional side view of another illustrative lightingapparatus in accordance with the present invention. In this illustrativeembodiment, the bumper member 470 includes one or more holes, slots orlumens 472. A light source 474 is then positioned in one or more of theholes, slots or lumens 472. Only one light source 474 is shown in FIG.20. The bumper member 470, or a portion thereof, is preferably formedfrom a transparent or semi-transparent material. When so provided, thelight from the light source 474 may pass through the transparent orsemi-transparent portion of the bumper member 470 and away from thecarrier 478, as shown by lines 476.

When more than one light source 474 is provided, each light source 474may be situated in a different one of the holes or lumens 472, but thisis not required. Selected light sources may be selected to producedifferent colors. Alternatively, or in addition, the portion of thebumper member 470 adjacent selected light sources may be formed frommaterials of different colors. In some embodiments, this may provide theappearance of one or more stripes of colors along the bumper member 470.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional side view of another illustrative lightingapparatus in accordance with the present invention. In this illustrativeembodiment, the lighting apparatus includes a carrier 490, a bumpermember 492, and a light source 494. The carrier 490 includes a backsupport 496, a top support 498 and a bottom support 500, as shown. Likeabove, the top support 498 and bottom support 500 terminate to define agap or slot for receiving the bumper member 492.

In some embodiments, the back support 496, top support 498 and bottomsupport 500 of the carrier are made from a relatively rigid material,such as Vinyl, PVC, aluminum, or any other suitable material. The bumpermember 492 may also be formed by, for example, extruding a material suchas Vinyl, PVC, rubber, aluminum or any other suitable material. However,like above, this is not required. Preferably, the bumper member 492 isformed from a softer material than the carrier, but this is also notrequired.

In the illustrative embodiment, the back support 496 and the bottomsupport 500 are joined together through a light carrying member 502.Although not shown in FIG. 21, it is contemplated that the back support496 and the top support 498 may also be joined together through anotherlight carrying member, if desired, to provide light in an upwarddirection. The light carrying member 502 preferably defines a channel,cavity or recess for receiving the light source 494. Preferably, thecavity or recess is sized to receive the light source and secure thelight source 494 to the carrier 490. In the illustrative embodiment, thecavity or recess has a receiving slot 504 for receiving the light source494. In a preferred embodiment, the light source 494 is an elongatedlight source such as an electro-luminescent wire or a Linear EmittingFiber, as detailed above. However, it is contemplated that the lightsource 494 may be any type of light source, including those identifiedherein.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional side view of yet another illustrativelighting apparatus in accordance with the present invention. In thisillustrative embodiment, the lighting apparatus includes a carrier 510.For simplicity, the bumper member and light source are not shown. Thecarrier 510 includes a back support 512, a top support 514 and a bottomsupport 516, as shown. Like above, the top support 514 and bottomsupport 516 terminate to define a gap or slot 518 for receiving a bumpermember.

In the illustrative embodiment, the bottom support 516 is shaped toprovide a light carrying channel, cavity or recess 518. The lightcarrying channel, cavity or recess 518 preferably is sized to receive alight source. In the illustrative embodiment, the channel, cavity orrecess 518 preferably has a transparent or semi-transparent portion 520for passing light in a downward direction. The transparent orsemi-transparent portion 520 may be co-extruded with the rest of thecarrier 510, which may be made from a non-transparent material, ifdesired. Alternatively, the transparent or semi-transparent portion 520may be formed separately, and subsequently secured to the bottom support516.

In either case, and in some embodiments, the transparent orsemi-transparent portion 520 may be shaped to form a Fresnel lens, asshown in FIG. 24. A Fresnel lens may help collect and focus the lightthat is emitted by the light source. A Fresnel lens may also helpminimize the amount of absorption in the lens by reducing the thicknessof the lens. Other lens shapes may also be used.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional side view of yet another illustrativelighting apparatus in accordance with the present invention. Thisillustrative embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 22.However, the bottom support 530 is shaped to provide a larger cavity 532for receiving a bumper member. Further, the wall thickness of the bottomsupport 530 is maintained along its length. In the illustrativeembodiment, this is accomplished by moving the central axis 536 of thelight carrying cavity or recess 534 further down and/or away from thecarrier.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional side view of another illustrative lightingapparatus in accordance with the present invention. This illustrativeembodiment is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 21. However, thecavity or recess 540 does not have a receiving slot for receiving thelight source 494. Instead, a wall encircles the cavity or recess 540. Inone embodiment, a lower portion 542 of the wall encircling the cavity orrecess 540 is formed from a transparent or semi-transparent material.The remainder of the wall encircling the cavity or recess 540 may be atleast partially reflective, but this is not required.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional side view of another illustrative lightingapparatus in accordance with the present invention. This illustrativeembodiment is similar to that shown in FIG. 25. However, the cavity orrecess 550 has a receiving slot 552 for receiving a light source 554.The receiving slot 552 is shown opening into the inner cavity 556 of thecarrier 558. To install the light source 554 into the cavity or recess550, the bottom support 560 may be pulled away from the back support562. Preferably, the bottom support 560 and/or back support 562temporarily elastically deform to open the receiving slot 552 andreceive the light source 554. Once the light source 554 is in the cavityor recess 550, the bottom support 560 may be returned or nearly returnedto its original position relative to the back support 562. The bumpermember 564 is then installed, also preferably by elastic deformation ofthe bumper member 564 and/or carrier 558. Like the embodiment shown inFIG. 25, it is contemplated that a lower portion 566 of the wallencircling the cavity or recess 550 may be formed from a transparent orsemi-transparent material. The remainder of the wall encircling thecavity or recess 550 may be at least partially reflective, but this isnot required.

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional side view of yet another illustrativelighting apparatus in accordance with the present invention. In thisillustrative embodiment, a parabolic shaped recess or cavity 580 isformed in the bottom support 582. A parabolic shape may help collect anddirect the light emitted by the light source 584 in a particulardirection, particular if the walls of the parabolic shaped recess orcavity 580 are at least partially reflective. In some embodiments, theaxis 586 of the parabolic shaped recess or cavity 580 may be offsetrelative to a vertical axis 588 to help direct the light rays toward anobject, such as an object that the carrier 590 is mounted.

A lens or cover 594 may be provided to cover the parabolic shaped recessor cavity 580, if desired. In some illustrative embodiments, one or morereceiving slots 596 and 598 may be provided for receiving the edges ofthe lens or cover 594. In other illustrative embodiments, the lens orcover may be co-extruded or otherwise integrally formed or securelyattached to the carrier 590.

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional side view of another illustrative lightingapparatus in accordance with the present invention. This illustrativeembodiment includes a “D” shaped carrier 600 having a bumper receivingslot 602. A bumper member 604 may be provided in the bumper receivingslot 602. The bumper member 604 may be an elongated tube that is sizedto fit within the bumper receiving slot 602, as shown. Like theillustrative embodiment of FIG. 27, a parabolic shaped recess or cavity606 is provided in a bottom portion of the “D” shaped carrier 600. Alens or cover 608 may be provided to cover the parabolic shaped recessor cavity 606, if desired. In the illustrative embodiment, the lens orcover is co-extruded or otherwise integrally formed or securely attachedto the “D” shaped carrier 600, but this is not required.

A light source 610 is shown positioned in the parabolic shaped recess orcavity 606. One or more light source support members 612 may be providedto help secure the light source 610 in the parabolic shaped recess orcavity 606. In some embodiments, the one or more light source supportmembers 612 may help secure the light source 610 at or near the focalpoint of the parabolic shaped recess or cavity 606.

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional side view of yet another illustrativelighting apparatus in accordance with the present invention. In thisillustrative embodiment, a carrier 620 is provided with a lightreceiving channel, cavity or recess 622 formed in the bottom support624. A light source 626 is positioned within the light receivingchannel, cavity or recess 622. The illustrative carrier 620 has a backsupport 626 that is adapted to be adjacent a mounting surface.

A mating member 628 is also provided. The mating member 628 may includea back support 630 and a lens or cover portion 632. The mating member628 preferably mates with the back support 626 of the carrier 620. Thelens or cover portion 632, or a portion thereof, preferably is shaped tocover the light receiving cavity or recess 622 formed in the bottomsupport 624. A slot may be provided in the bottom support 624 of thecarrier 620 to receive a lip 634 of the lens or cover portion 632, ifdesired.

In one illustrative embodiment, the carrier 620 may be made from amaterial that is non-transparent and at least partially reflective. Themating member 628 may be made from a material that is at leastsemi-transparent. Alternatively, only the lens or cover portion 632 ofthe mating member 628 may be made from a material that is at leastsemitransparent. In other embodiments, the carrier 620 may be made froma material that is at least partially transparent, and the mating membermay be made from a material that is non-transparent and at leastpartially reflective. In any case, it is contemplated that the matingmember 628 may be made separate from the carrier 620.

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional side view of another illustrative lightingapparatus in accordance with the present invention. In this illustrativeembodiment, no separate bumper member is provided. Instead, an elongatedtube 640 is provided with a mounting support 642 extending therefrom. Aspacer support 644 may also be provided to help space the tube 640 fromthe mounting surface. A light source (not shown) can be positionedwithin the inner lumen 648 of the tube 640, as desired. At least aportion of the tube 640 is preferably at least semi-transparent to allowat least some of the light rays from the light source to exit from thetube 640. In one embodiment, portion 645, portion 646, or both, are atleast semi-transparent. In some embodiments, the tube 640 is adapted toprevent light rays from traveling in a first direction away from thetube 640 while allowing light rays to travel in a second differentdirection away from the tube 640.

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional side view of yet another illustrativelighting apparatus in accordance with the present invention. Like theembodiment shown in FIG. 30, this illustrative embodiment also does nothave a separate bumper member. Instead, an elongated member 650 isprovided with a mounting region 652 and a light source receiving region654. The light source receiving region 654 includes a light sourcereceiving cavity or recess 656, which receives a light source 658. Theelongated member 650 may be made from a non-transparent or at leastsemi-transparent material, as desired.

As indicated above, it is contemplated that some embodiments of thepresent invention may be used to illuminate vehicles, such as boats(including barges), cars, trucks, etc., preferably by illuminating oneor more side surfaces of the vehicle. The side surfaces of many vehiclesprovide a relatively large area that, when illuminated, cansignificantly increase the visibility of the vehicle, especially atnight. It is believed that by providing such visibility, vehicle safetycan be significantly improved. FIG. 32 is a schematic view of a truck660 with an illustrative lighting apparatus 662 mounted to the sidethereof. The illustrative truck 660 includes a cab 664 and a trailer666, with an illustrative lighting apparatus 662 mounted along a loweredge 668 of the trailer 666. The illustrative lighting apparatus 662 maybe similar to those described herein, and may distribute light in anupward direction to illuminate at least a portion of the side surface670 of the trailer 666. The lighting apparatus 662 may extend around theperimeter of the trailer 666, if desired.

In some embodiments, the illustrative lighting apparatus 662 may includea bumper, to help provide a level of protection to the lower edge 668 ofthe trailer 666. Such protection may be desirable when, for example, thetruck 660 is maneuvering into a loading dock or the like. While theillustrative lighting apparatus is shown mounted to a truck trailer 666,it may also be mounted to the box of a straight truck, or even to thecab 664, as desired. In addition, it is contemplated that theillustrative lighting apparatus 662 may be mounted to an upper edge 672of the cab 664 or trailer 666, and/or at an intermediate location, asdesired.

FIG. 33 is a schematic view of an object, generally shown at 680, withan illustrative lighting apparatus 682 mounted to the side thereof. Theobject 680 may by any type of object. For example, the object 680 mayinclude retail and/or store shelving and/or equipment (including grocerystore shelving and/or equipment such as refrigerated shelving), bars,desks, counters, walls such as in hallways or rooms, ceilings, railings,steps, and/or any other object or surface, as desired. The illustrativelighting apparatus 682 is shown providing illumination in both an upwardand downward direction, although in some embodiments, illumination maybe only provided in one direction, including in an outward direction. Insome embodiments, the lighting apparatus 682 may include a bumper, suchas described above. When so provided, the lighting apparatus 682 mayhelp provide a level of protection to the object 680.

FIG. 34 is a schematic view of a tow line 690 that includes anillustrative lighting apparatus in accordance with the presentinvention. A tug or other boat 692 is shown pulling one or more barges694 via tow line 690. It is contemplated that the tug boat 692, tow line690 and/or one or more barges 694 may be illuminated using a lightingapparatus in accordance with the present invention. The tow line 690 maybe illuminated by securing one or more light sources to the tow line690. For example, an electro-luminescent wire or Linear Emitting Fibermay be secured along the length of the tow line. Other types of lightsources may also be used. This may allow other boaters to more easilysee the tug boat 692, the tow line 690 and/or the barges 694 at night.

It is also contemplated that one or more light sources may be providedon parked barges 694 to illuminate one or more sides surfaces of thebarges 694. The one or more light sources may be incorporated into alighting apparatus, as described herein. Barges are often fairly dark incolor, and can be difficult to see at night. By illuminating one or moreside surfaces of the barges 694, boaters may more easily see the parkedbarges at night.

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional side view of another illustrative lightingapparatus in accordance with the present invention. In this illustrativeembodiment, an elongated carrier 696 is provided. Like some of theembodiments above, the elongated carrier 696 includes two legs 698 a and698 b that form a slot or opening for receiving an elongated bumpermember or insert 700. In some embodiments, the elongated carrier 696and/or the elongated bumper member 700 must be elastically deformed (e.gbent or otherwise deformed) for the elongated bumper member 700 to slipinto the slot. To help aid the insertion of the elongated bumper member700 into the slot of the elongated carrier 696, the elongated bumpermember 700 may include one or more relief lumens 704 a and 704 b, ifdesired.

The elongated bumper member 700 may include a cavity 702. Theillustrative cavity 702 is adapted to receive an elongated light source(not shown), such as an electro-luminescent wire, a linear emittingfiber, or any other suitable elongated light source. The elongatedbumper member 700, or a portion thereof, may be formed from atransparent or semi-transparent material. The transparent orsemi-transparent material preferably defines at least part of the cavity702, and extends to an outer surface of the elongated bumper member 700.In the embodiment shown, portion 710 may be formed from a transparent orsemi-transparent material. When so provided, the light from theelongated light source may pass through the transparent orsemi-transparent portion of the elongated bumper member 700 and awayfrom the lighting apparatus.

To help aid with the insertion of the elongated light source into thecavity 702, a slit 706 may be provided. The slit may extend from thecavity 702 to an outer surface 708 of the elongated bumper member 700.In the embodiment shown, the slit extends from the cavity 702 to theouter surface 708 adjacent the back of the carrier 698, but this is notrequired.

FIG. 36A is a cross-sectional side view of the elongated bumper member(or insert) 700 of FIG. 35, with the slit 706 in the closed position. Inone embodiment, the slot of the elongated carrier 698 as well as theshape and size of the elongated bumper member 700 are adapted so thatwhen the elongated bumper member 700 is inserted into the slot of theelongated carrier 698, the elongated carrier 698 provides a closingforce to keep the slit 706 in, or nearly in, the closed position.

FIG. 36B is a cross-sectional side view of the elongated bumper member(or insert) of FIG. 35, with the slit in an open position. In theillustrative embodiment, the elongated bumper member 700 is normally inthe closed position, as shown in FIG. 36A. To place the elongated bumpermember 700 in the open position, the elongated bumper member 700 is atleast partially elastically deformed (e.g bent or otherwise deformed) byapplying an outward force. Alternatively, the elongated bumper member700 may normally be in the open position, as shown in FIG. 36B. To placethe elongated bumper member 700 in the closed position, the elongatedbumper member 700 is at least partially elastically deformed (e.g bentor otherwise deformed) by applying an inward force. In either case, theelongated bumper member 700 may more easily receive an elongated lightsource (not shown) through the slit 706 when in the open position.

FIG. 36C is a cross-sectional side view of the insert of FIG. 35, withthe slit in an open position and with a slit latching mechanism. In theillustrative embodiment, the slit latching mechanism includes a leg witha tooth 712, along with a matching receiving opening 714. As theelongated bumper member 700 is moved into the closed position, the leg712 slides into the matching receiving opening 714, and the tooth 712snaps into a corresponding opening in the receiving opening. Thelatching mechanism may help the elongated bumper member 700 remain inthe closed position.

FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional side view of another illustrative lightingapparatus in accordance with the present invention. This illustrativeembodiment is similar to that shown in FIG. 26. However, the receivingslot 720 for receiving the light source 722 may be wider, and may beused to direct light from the light source 722 to the elongated bumpermember 724. The elongated bumper member 724 may then include atransparent or semi-transparent portion 726 that directs the lightreceived through the receiving slot 720 to an outer surface 728 of theelongated bumper member 724. In some embodiments, the entire elongatedbumper member 724 may be made from a transparent or semitransparentmaterial. In other embodiments, only a portion of the elongated bumpermember 724 is transparent or semi-transparent portion, as shown. Ineither case, the embodiment shown in FIG. 37 may allow light from thelight source 722 to be directed to multiple locations, such as downthrough a transparent or semi-transparent window 730 as well as to theouter surface 728 of the elongated bumper member 724.

FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative rub-rail withnubs in accordance with the present invention. The illustrative rub-railis generally shown at 740, and includes a carrier 742 and an elongatedbumper member 744. The carrier 740 includes a back support 746, a topsupport leg 748 and a bottom support leg 750. The top support leg 748and bottom support leg 750 are shown extending from the top 752 andbottom 754 ends, respectively, of the back support 746 in a leftwarddirection. The top support leg 748 and bottom support leg 750 terminateto define a gap or slot 758 therebetween.

The bumper member 744 is shown positioned in the gap or slot 758. Thebumper member 744 preferably has an outer portion 756 that is sized tofit into the slot 758, and one or more inner facing legs 760 a and 760 bthat extend into the cavity formed by the top support leg 748 and bottomsupport leg 750 of the carrier 742. The one or more legs 760 a and 760 bpreferably have a dimension that exceeds the lateral dimension of theslot 758, which helps secure the bumper member 744 to the carrier 742.In some embodiments, the bumper member 744 and/or carrier 742 are atleast somewhat elastically deformable, so that the bumper member 744and/or the elongated carrier 742 can or must be elastically deformed(e.g bent or otherwise deformed) to allow the one or more legs 760 a and760 b of the bumper member 744 to slip through the slot 758. The bumpermember 744 may also have one or more relief holes or lumens, such asrelieve hole or lumen 762. Such relief holes or lumens may decrease therigidness of the bumper member 744, as desired.

One or both of the top support leg 748 and bottom support leg 750 of thecarrier 742 may have a nub, such as nub 764 a and/or 764 b. These nubspreferably extend inward into the cavity formed by the carrier 742. Forexample, nub 764 a of the top support leg 748 is shown extending downinto the cavity of the carrier 742 toward the bottom support leg 750.Likewise, nub 764 b of the bottom support leg 750 is shown extending upinto the cavity of the carrier 742 toward the top support leg 748.

In the illustrative embodiment, the top support leg 748 has an increasedthickness at nub 764 a, and the bottom support leg 750 has an increasedthickness at nub 764 b. In other embodiments, however, the thickness mayremain relatively constant along the length of the top and/or bottomsupport legs, with both the inner surface and outer surface of thesupport legs extending inwardly to form the corresponding nub. Althoughthe nubs 764 a and 764 b are shown near the distal end of thecorresponding support leg away from the back member 746, it iscontemplated that the nubs may be placed anywhere along the top and/orbottom support legs 748 and 750, and/or along the back member 746 asdesired. In addition, multiple nubs may be placed along one or more ofthe top support leg, bottom support leg and/or back support 746, asdesired. The elongated bumper member 744 preferably is shaped to acceptthe one or more nubs provided on the top support leg, bottom support legand/or back support, as shown.

FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative lightingapparatus with nubs in accordance the present invention. This embodimentis similar to that shown in FIG. 38, but the elongated bumper member 768includes a cavity 770 for receiving a light source 772, as shown. Theelongated bumper member 768 is shaped to accept the nubs 764 a and 764 bprovided on the top support leg 748 and bottom support leg 750,respectively. That is, the elongated support member 768 includes anouter surface that is shaped to correspond to the inner surface of thecarrier 742, including nubs 764 a and 764 b. As indicated above, nubs764 a and 764 b do not need to be positioned at or near the distal endof the top support leg 748 and/or bottom support leg 750, but rather maybe positioned anywhere along the top support leg 748, bottom support leg750 and/or back support 746, depending on the application.

In the illustrative embodiment, the elongated support member 768 may bemade from a transparent or semitransparent material, or alternativelyonly a portion 774 (indicated by a dashed line) of the elongated supportmember 768 may be made from a transparent or semitransparent material,with the remainder made from a substantially non-transparent material.In addition, the illustrative elongated support member 768 includes aslit that extends from the cavity 770 to the back outer surface 776 ofthe elongated support member 768 to aid in the insertion of theelongated light source 772 into the cavity 770.

FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative lightingapparatus for receiving an elongated light source. The illustrativelighting apparatus is shown generally at 800, and includes a body 802.The body 802 includes a cover portion 804, which together form a cavity806 for receiving an elongated light source 808. The body 802 may betransparent or semi-transparent, or substantially non-transparent,depending on the application. In one illustrative embodiment, the cover804 is transparent or semitransparent, and the remainder of the body 802is substantially non-transparent. The cover 804 may be shaped to form alens, but this is not required. In another illustrative embodiment, thecover 804 is substantially non-transparent and the remainder of the body802 is transparent or semi-transparent.

It is contemplated that the cover 804 may be formed integrally with theremainder of the body 802 (such as by, for example, extrusion,co-extrusion, molding, or any other suitable method). Alternatively, thecover 804 may be formed separately from the remainder of the body 802.When formed separately from the remainder of the body 802, the cover 804may be later secured to the remainder of the body 802 by, for example, asnapping mechanism, an adhesive, screws, or any other suitable securingmethod. In some embodiments, the cover 804 is secured to the remainderof the body 802 after the elongated light source is inserted into thecavity 806.

In some embodiments, the body 802 may include a slit 810 that extendsfrom the cavity 806 to an outer surface of the body 802, such as outersurface 812. The slit 810 may be moved to an open position, by forexample applying an external outward force, which may help aid in theinsertion of the elongated light source 808 into the cavity 806 throughthe slit 810. Like other embodiments, it is contemplated that theillustrative lighting apparatus 800 may be mounted to, for example, anyobject including a boat, retail and/or store shelving and/or equipment(including grocery store shelving and/or equipment such as refrigeratedshelving), bars, desks, counters, walls such as in hallways or rooms,ceilings, railings, steps, and/or any other object or surface, asdesired. The body 802 may help provide a level of protection to theobject and/or a level of protection to the elongated light source.

FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional side view of another illustrative lightingapparatus for receiving an elongated light source. The illustrativelighting apparatus is shown generally at 820, and includes a body 822.The body 820 includes a cover portion 824, which together form a cavity826 for receiving an elongated light source 828. In the illustrativeembodiment, the cavity 826 is parabolic in shape, which in someembodiments, may help focus (by reflection) the light provided by theelongated light source 828 toward the cover portion 824. The body 822may be transparent or semitransparent, or substantially non-transparent,depending on the application. In one illustrative embodiment, the cover824 is transparent or semi-transparent, and the remainder of the body822 is substantially non-transparent. The cover 824 may be flat orshaped to form a lens, as desired. In another illustrative embodiment,the cover 824 is substantially non-transparent and the remainder of thebody 822 is transparent or semitransparent.

It is contemplated that the cover 824 may be formed integrally with theremainder of the body 822 (such as by, for example, extrusion,co-extrusion, molding, or any other suitable method). Alternatively, thecover 824 may be formed separately from the remainder of the body 822.When formed separately from the remainder of the body 822, the cover 824may be later secured to the remainder of the body 822 by, for example, asnapping mechanism, an adhesive, screws, or any other suitable securingmethod. In some embodiments, the cover 824 is secured to the remainderof the body 822 after the elongated light source is inserted into thecavity 826.

In some embodiments, the body 822 may include a slit 830 that extendsfrom the cavity 826 to an outer surface of the body 822, such as outersurface 832. The slit 830 may be moved to an open position, by forexample applying an external outward force, which may help aid in theinsertion of the elongated light source 828 into the cavity 826 throughthe slit 830. It is contemplated that the illustrative lightingapparatus 820 may be mounted to, for example, any object includingboats, retail and/or store shelving and/or equipment (including grocerystore shelving and/or equipment such as refrigerated shelving), bars,desks, counters, walls such as in hallways or rooms, ceilings, railings,steps, and/or any other object or surface, as desired. The body 822 mayhelp provide a level of protection to the object and/or a level ofprotection to the elongated light source.

FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional side view of yet another illustrativelighting apparatus for receiving an elongated light source. Thisillustrative embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 41,but the body 840 has a height 842 that is substantially greater than thethickness 844. In addition, the body 840 extends a substantial distancebeyond the cavity 846. In one example, the cavity may have a diameter onthe order of 0.050 inches, and the height 842 of the body 840 may be onthe order of 0.25 to 24 inches or more. In some embodiments, this mayprovide a relatively large protection area (represented by the height842 of the body 840) to an object.

FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional side view of another illustrative lightingapparatus for receiving an elongated light source. This illustrativeembodiment is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 42. However, the body850 includes both a first material 852 that is at least semi-transparentand a second material 854 that is substantially non-transparent. The atleast semi-transparent material 852 is shown extending from the cavity856 that houses the elongated light source 858 to one or more outersurfaces 860 a and 860 b of the body 850. The at least semi-transparentmaterial 852 thus at least partially defines the cavity 856 and acceptslight therefrom. The light is then delivered down the at leastsemitransparent material 852 to the illuminate the one or more outersurfaces 860 a and 860 b. In the illustrative embodiment, the outersurface 862 between the one or more outer surfaces 860 a and 860 b issubstantially non-transparent, with the possible exception of coverportion 864, but this is not required.

It is contemplated that the one or more outer surfaces 860 a and 860 bmay be flat or may be shaped to form a lens, depending on theapplication. In addition, it is contemplated that the at leastsemi-transparent material 852 may have a higher index of refraction thanthe substantially non-transparent material 854, but this is notrequired. This may promote greater total internal reflection of thelight as it travels down the at least semi-transparent material 852,much like an optical fiber.

In one illustrative embodiment, the at least semi-transparent material852 may be integrally formed with the substantially non-transparentmaterial 854. For example, the at least semi-transparent material 852may be co-extruded with the substantially non-transparent material 854.Alternatively, the at least semi-transparent material 852 may beseparately formed from the substantially non-transparent material 854,and subsequently mechanically secured together, as desired.

FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative lightingapparatus with one or more legs for securing the lighting apparatus to asubstrate. The illustrative lighting apparatus is generally shown at 880and includes a body 882. The body 882 includes a main body portion 883,a first leg 884 with a first tooth 886, and a second leg 888 with asecond tooth 890. In this illustrative embodiment, the first leg 884 andsecond leg 888 extend continuously along the length of the main bodyportion 883. The first leg 884 and the second leg 888 are shownextending away from the main body portion 883 at an angle 892 that isgreater than zero. However, in some embodiments, the angle 892 may bezero or even negative, depending on the application. The main bodyportion 883 is similar that shown in FIG. 40.

FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional side view of another illustrative lightingapparatus with one or more legs for securing the lighting apparatus to asubstrate. This illustrative embodiment is similar to the embodimentshown in FIG. 44, except the first leg 896 and the second leg 898 do notextend continuously along the length of the main body portion 900.Rather, and in one embodiment, one or more first and second leg pairs896, 898 are provided periodically along the length of the main bodyportion. Only one first and second leg pair is shown.

FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional side view of the illustrative lightingapparatus of FIG. 45 with the first leg 896 and the second leg 898inserted through a substrate 902. As the first leg 896 and the secondleg 898 are pushed through a hole in the substrate 902, the first leg896 and the second leg 898 are forced closer together, which maytemporarily elastically deforming the first leg 896 and the second leg898. Once the teeth reach the backside 904 of the substrate 902, thefirst leg 896 and the second leg 898 separate and the teeth engage thebackside 904 of the substrate 902 as shown. This may help secure theillustrative lighting apparatus to the substrate 902. The substrate maybe any type of substrate including, for example, wall board, plywood,cement, fiberglass, metal, or any other type of substrate, as desired.

FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional side view of yet another illustrativelighting apparatus attached to a substrate. The illustrative lightingapparatus is shown generally at 908, and includes an elongated body 910.The elongated body 910 includes a cover portion 912, which together forman elongated cavity 914 for receiving an elongated light source 916. Theelongated body 910 may be transparent or semi-transparent, orsubstantially non-transparent, depending on the application. In oneillustrative embodiment, the cover 912 is transparent orsemi-transparent, and the remainder of the body 910 is substantiallynon-transparent. The cover 912 may be shaped to form a lens, but this isnot required. In another illustrative embodiment, the cover 912 issubstantially non-transparent and the remainder of the body 910 istransparent or semi-transparent.

The elongated body 910 shown in FIG. 47 includes an upper extending leg918 that extends upward from the remainder of the body 910, and a lowerextending leg 920 that extends downward from the remainder of the body910. The upper extending leg 918 and lower extending leg 920 may berelatively thin, and may extend outward from the remainder of the body910 along a plane formed by the front face 926 of the remainder of thebody 910, but this is not required.

In one embodiment, the main body 910 is inserted into an appropriatelysized recess or hole 922 in a substrate 924. The upper extending leg 918and lower extending leg 920 preferably extend out past the upper andlower edges 930 a and 930 b of the elongated recess or hole 922, andengage the front face 932 of the substrate 924 as shown. In someembodiments, the upper extending leg 918 and lower extending leg 920 aresecured to the substrate by, for example, an adhesive, screws, or anyother suitable securing method, as desired.

In some embodiments, the body does not extend to the backside 934 of thesubstrate 924. When so provided, the illustrative lighting apparatus maynot disturb objects behind the substrate, such as studs 940 or any othermembers or objects behind the substrate 924. In other embodiments, thebody 910 may extend to or beyond the backside 934 of the substrate 924,as desired.

FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative lightingapparatus for securing an elongated light source to a substrate. Thisembodiment may be particularly suitable for securing an elongated lightsource to a substrate that can be initially provided in a liquid orsemi-liquid state, and then cured or hardened to a more solid state. Theillustrative lighting apparatus is shown generally at 950, and includesan elongated member or body 952. The elongated member 952 includes acover 954, which together form a cavity 956 for receiving an elongatedlight source 958.

The elongated member or body 952 may be transparent or semi-transparent,or substantially non-transparent, depending on the application. In oneillustrative embodiment, the cover 954 is transparent orsemi-transparent, and the remainder of the elongated member or body 952is substantially non-transparent. The cover 954 may be flat, or shapedto form a lens such as a convex lens shown by dotted line 960. Inanother illustrative embodiment, the cover 954 is substantiallynon-transparent and the remainder of the elongated member or body 952 istransparent or semi-transparent.

It is contemplated that the cover 954 may be formed integrally with theremainder of the elongated member or body 952 (such as by, for example,extrusion, co-extrusion, molding, or any other suitable method).Alternatively, the cover 954 may be formed separately from the remainderof the elongated member or body 952. When formed separately from theremainder of the elongated member or body 952, the cover 954 may belater secured to the remainder of the elongated member or body 952 by,for example, a snapping mechanism, an adhesive, screws, or any othersuitable securing method. In some embodiments, the cover 954 is securedto the remainder of the elongated member or body 952 after the elongatedlight source 958 is inserted into the cavity 956. In the illustrativeembodiment, the cavity 956 is parabolic in shape to help direct (byreflection) the light produced by the elongated light source 958 towardthe cover 954, but this is not required.

In some embodiments, the elongated member or body 952 may include aremovable portion 962, which may include the cavity 956, the elongatedlight source 958 and the cover 954. The removable portion 962 may thenbe selectively removed from the remainder of the elongated member orbody 952, as desired. This may be particularly useful when the remainderof the elongated member or body 952 is permanently secured to asubstrate, as further described below.

The elongated member or body 952 may have one or more legs, such as legs964 a, 964 b, 964 c and 964 d, which extend away from the remainder ofthe elongated member or body 952. In the embodiment shown, legs 964 a,964 b, 964 c and 964 d may help secure the elongated member or body 952to the substrate 966.

As noted above, this illustrative embodiment may be particularlysuitable for securing an elongated light source to a substrate 966, andin particular, a substrate 966 that can initially be provided in aliquid or semi-liquid state, and then cured or hardened to a more solidstate. For example, the substrate 966 may be poured in a liquid orsemi-liquid state, and then the elongated member or body 952 may beinserted into the substrate 966 as shown. The liquid or semi-liquidsubstrate may flow around the legs 964 a, 964 b, 964 c and 964 d of theelongated member or body 952. When the substrate is cured or hardened toa more solid state, the elongated member or body 952 becomes secured tothe substrate 966, and in some cases, permanently secured to thesubstrate 966. In some embodiments, the substrate 966 may be, forexample, concrete, asphalt, plastic, fiberglass, foam, or any othermaterial that can be initially provided in a liquid or semi-liquidstate, and then cured or hardened to a more solid state. The substratemay be part of, for example, a roadway, an airport runway, a wall, afloor, a stair, a ceiling, a running track, a boat, a car, a truck, aretaining wall, a swimming pool, a guard rail, or any other suitablesurface or object, as desired.

In some embodiments, the elongated member or body 952 may be formed froma relatively rigid material, such as Vinyl, PVC, rubber, plastic,aluminum, or any other suitable material. When so provided, theremovable portion 962 may be formed from the same or a differentmaterial than the elongated member or body 952.

For some applications, the elongated member or body 952 may be formedfrom a relatively flexible or elastic material. This may be useful when,for example, there is a difference in the coefficient of thermalexpansion between the substrate 966 and the elongated member or body952. Again, the removable portion 962 may be formed from the same or adifferent material such as a more rigid material, depending on theapplication.

FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative lightingapparatus for use with a stair or other ledge. The illustrative lightingapparatus is generally shown at 1000, and includes an elongated memberor body that has a horizontally extending portion 1002 and a verticallyextending portion 1004. In some embodiments, either the horizontallyextending portion 1002 or the vertically extending portion 1004 may beomitted. The illustrative elongated member includes a cover portion1006, which together form a cavity 1008 for receiving an elongated lightsource 1010.

In the illustrative embodiment, the horizontally extending portion 1002of the elongated member includes both a first material 1012 that is atleast semi-transparent and a second material 1014 that is substantiallynon-transparent. The at least semi-transparent material 1012 is shownextending from the cavity 1008 that houses the elongated light source1010 horizontally to one or more outer surfaces 1016 a and 1016 b of thebody. The at least semi-transparent material 1012 thus at leastpartially defines the cavity 1008 and accepts light therefrom. The lightis delivered down the at least semi-transparent material 1012 to theilluminate the one or more outer surfaces 1016 a and 1016 b. In theillustrative embodiment, the outer surface 1018 between the one or moreouter surfaces 1016 a and 1016 b is substantially non-transparent, butthis is not required. It is contemplated that the one or more outersurfaces 1016 a and 1016 b may be flat or shaped to form a lens,depending on the application. In addition, it is contemplated that theat least semi-transparent material 1012 may have a higher index ofrefraction than the substantially non-transparent material 1014 topromote greater total internal reflection of the light as it travelsdown the at least semi-transparent material 1012, much like an opticalfiber.

The vertically extending portion 1004 of the elongated member may alsoinclude both a first material 1012 that is at least semi-transparent anda second material 1014 that is substantially non-transparent. The atleast semi-transparent material 1012 is shown extending from the cavity1008 that houses the elongated light source 1010 vertically down to anouter surface 1020 of the body. The at least semi-transparent material1012 thus receives light from the cavity 1008, and delivers at leastsome of the light down to the outer surface 1020.

In some embodiments, the elongated member may include a slit 1024 thatextends from the cavity 1008 to an outer surface of the body. The slit1024 may be moved to an open position, by for example applying anexternal outward force, which may help aid in the insertion of theelongated light source 1010 into the cavity 1008 through the slit 1024.

In one illustrative embodiment, the at least semi-transparent material1012 may be integrally formed with the substantially non-transparentmaterial 1014. For example, the at least semi-transparent material 1012may be co-extruded with the substantially non-transparent material 1014.Alternatively, the at least semi-transparent material 1012 may beseparately formed from the substantially non-transparent material 1014,and subsequently mechanically secured together, as desired.

The illustrative lighting apparatus 1000 may be mounted to a stair orother ledge as shown. The cavity 1008 is shown positioned adjacent theledge 1022 of the stair or ledge. However, it is contemplated that thecavity 1008 may be positioned anywhere along the elongated member, asdesired, including adjacent the downward extending surface 1030 of thestair and/or adjacent the substantially horizontally extending surface1032 of the stair.

FIG. 50 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative appliance having anelongated light source positioned along the body of the appliance. Insome applications, it may be desirable to include an elongated lightsource along the body of an appliance to increase the visual appeal ofthe appliance, and in some cases, provide low level lighting. Almost anyappliance may benefit, including household or office devices operated bygas or electric current. Some illustrative appliances include radios, CDplayers, DVD players, televisions, refrigerators, stoves, toasters,phones, etc.

In one illustrative embodiment of the present invention, the outerhousing of an appliance is provided with an elongated cavity. The termcavity, as used throughout, may include an open cavity or a closedcavity. An open cavity is one that is open on one or more sides, and aclosed cavity is one that is closed on all sides. The elongated cavityextends along at least a portion of the outer housing, and is adapted toreceive an elongated light source, such as an electro-luminescent wire.The cavity is preferably at least partially defined by a material thatis at least partially transparent, and which extends to an outer surfaceof the housing. In some embodiments, the housing may also include asubstantially non-transparent material, which in some cases, may be atleast partially reflective. The substantially non-transparent materialmay include a surface that is shaped to reflect light toward the outersurface of the housing.

FIG. 50 shows one such appliance fitted with an elongated light source.The appliance shown in FIG. 50 is a portable music producing device. Theportable music producing device includes an outer housing 1050 that hasan elongated cavity formed therein. An elongated light source, such asan electro-luminescent wire, is provided in the elongated cavity asshown at 1052 a, 1052 b and 1052 c. Each elongated cavity is preferablyat least partially defined by a material that is at least partiallytransparent, and which extends to an outer surface of the housing 1050so that the light produced by the elongated light source is visible tothe user of the appliance. The elongated light source may receive powerfrom the power source of the appliance. An inverter may be required insome applications to produce the desired power signal to drive theelongated light source.

It is contemplated that the elongated light source may be switched on oroff by one or more signals of the appliance. For example, a switch maybe provided on the appliance for turning the elongated light source onand off. In another example, the elongated light source may be pulsed onand off by the changes in sound intensity produced by the radio, or mayjust blink at a predetermined rate. In yet another example, theelongated light source may be turned on when, for example, a toaster istoasting, and turned off when toasting is complete. These are just a fewexamples of controlling the elongated light source with one or moresignals of an appliance.

FIG. 51 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative toy having anelongated light source positioned along the body of the toy. In someembodiments, it may be desirable to include an elongated light sourcealong the body of a toy to increase the visual appeal of the toy, and insome cases, provide low level lighting. Almost any toy may benefit,including toy swords, toy vehicle, board games, stuffed animals, etc.

In one illustrative embodiment, the outer shell or housing of a toy isprovided with an elongated cavity. The elongated cavity extends along atleast a portion of the outer shell or housing, and is adapted to receivean elongated light source, such as an electro-luminescent wire. Thecavity is preferably at least partially defined by a material that is atleast partially transparent, and which extends to an outer surface ofthe outer shell or housing. In some embodiments, the shell or housingmay also include a substantially non-transparent material, which in somecases, may be at least partially reflective. The substantiallynon-transparent material may include a surface that is shaped to reflectlight toward the outer surface of the housing.

FIG. 51 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative toy sword having anelongated light source positioned along the body of the toy. The toysword is generally shown at 1060 and includes an outer shell or housing1062 that has an elongated cavity formed therein. An elongated lightsource, such as an electro-luminescent wire, is provided in theelongated cavity as shown at 1064. The elongated cavity is preferably atleast partially defined by a material that is at least partiallytransparent, and which extends to an outer surface of the housing 1062so that the light produced by the elongated light source is visible tothe user of the toy. The elongated light source may receive power fromthe toy. An inverter may be required in some applications to produce thedesired power signal to drive the elongated light source.

It is contemplated that the elongated light source may be switched on oroff by one or more signals of the toy. For example, a switch may beprovided on the toy for turning the elongated light source on and off.In another example, the elongated light source may be pulsed on and offby movement of the toy, or may just blink at a predetermined rate. Inyet another example, the elongated light source may be turned on when,for example, the toy is brought close to another similarly equipped toy.These are just a few examples of controlling the elongated light sourcewith one or more signals of a toy.

In another illustrative embodiment, the toy may include an outer shell,and may have a power source within the outer shell. The outer shell maybe a sturdy outer shell, or a more flexible outer shell such as iscommon for stuff animals. In some embodiments, an inverter may beprovided within the outer shell and connected to an elongated lightsource, such as an electro-luminescent wire. At least part of theelongated light source preferably extends outside of the outer shell.For example, and in the case of a stuffed toy dog, the elongated lightsource may extend out of the outer shell and around the neck of the dogto produce an illuminated collar. In this embodiment, a separate cavityneed not be provided in the outer shell of the toy to accommodate theelongated light source.

FIG. 52 is a schematic diagram of a solar powered lighting apparatus. Inthis embodiment, an elongated light source such as anelectro-luminescent wire may be powered by one or more solar cells. Inthe illustrative embodiment shown, one or more solar cells 1070 receivelight from an external source such as the sun. The electrical powergenerated by the one or more solar cells 1070 is provided to a powerstorage block 1072, which may include one or more batteries or otherpower storage device(s). A controller and/or inverter 1074 block maythen be coupled to the power storage block 1072. The controller and/orinverter block 1074 may include an inverter to convert the powerreceived from the power storage block 1072 to an appropriate powersignal for the elongated light source 1076, such as anelectro-luminescent wire.

The controller and/or inverter block 1074 may also include a controllerfor selectively enabling when power is delivered from the power storageblock 1072 to the elongated light source 1076. For example, thecontroller may include a timer to prevent power from being delivered tothe elongated light source during certain parts of a day, such as duringday time, while allowing power to be delivered to the elongated lightsource at other times of the day, such as during night time. In anotherexample, the controller may be connected to a light detector 1078. Thelight detector 1078 may detect the ambient lighting conditions todetermine when it is day time and night time. The controller may use theoutput of the detector 1078 to disable power from being delivered to theelongated light source during the day time, while enabling power to bedelivered to the elongated light source during the night time.

Having thus described the preferred embodiments of the presentinvention, those of skill in the art will readily appreciate that theteachings found herein may be applied to yet other embodiments withinthe scope of the claims hereto attached.

1. An elongated light for receiving an elongated light source,comprising: an elongated member having a cavity for receiving theelongated light source and an elongated slit that extends into thecavity through the elongated member, wherein at least part of the cavityis defined by an at least semi-transparent material that extends fromthe cavity to an outer surface of the elongated member; an elongatedcarrier, the elongated carrier having a back side and two side walls,wherein the side walls define a slot that is spaced from the back sideof the carrier for receiving at least part of the elongated member, theelongated member having a back portion that faces the back side of theelongated carrier when the elongated member is received by the slot, andthe elongated slit of the elongated member extends into the cavity ofthe elongated member through the back portion of the elongated member;and wherein the slot is sized so that at least part of the elongatedmember must be forcibly inserted into the slot and, once inserted, theside walls of the elongated carrier forcing the slit or opening of theelongated member into a closed or substantially closed position.
 2. Anelongated light according to claim 1 wherein at least part of theelongated member must be at least partially elastically deformed or bentto insert the elongated light source through the slit and into thecavity.
 3. An elongated light according to claim 1 further comprisingmeans for latching the slit into a closed or substantially closedposition.
 4. An elongated light according to claim 1 wherein theelongated light source is an Electro-Luminescent wire.
 5. An elongatedlight according to claim 1 wherein the elongated light source is aLinear Emitting Fiber.
 6. An elongated light according to claim 1wherein the slit in the elongated member is normally at least partiallyopen when the at least part of the elongated member is not received bythe slot, and wherein the elongated member must be at least partiallyelastically deformed or bent to close the slit when the at least part ofthe elongated member is received by the slot.
 7. An elongated lightaccording to claim 1 further comprising a stair step, wherein theelongated carrier is secured to the stair step.
 8. An elongated lightaccording to claim 1 wherein the elongated member includes a resilientand durable surface so as to provides a bumper function.
 9. An elongatedlight according to claim 8 further comprising a boat, wherein theelongated carrier and the elongated member are secured relative to andprovide a bumper function for the boat.
 10. An elongated light accordingto claim 8 further comprising a wall, wherein the elongated carrier andthe elongated member are secured relative to and provide a bumperfunction for the wall.
 11. An elongated light according to claim 8further comprising a shelf, wherein the elongated carrier and theelongated member are secured relative to and provide a bumper functionfor the shelf.
 12. An elongated light for receiving an elongated lightsource, comprising: an elongated member having a cavity for receivingthe elongated light source and an elongated slit or opening that extendsinto the cavity through the elongated member; an elongated carrier, theelongated carrier having a slot for receiving at least part of theelongated member, wherein the slot is sized so that at least part of theelongated member must be forcibly inserted into the slot; and theelongated carrier forcing the elongated slit or opening of the elongatedmember into a closed or substantially closed position.
 13. An elongatedlight according to claim 12 further comprising a stair step, wherein theelongated carrier is secured to the stair step.
 14. An elongated light,comprising: an elongated light source; an elongated member having alength with a cavity, the cavity extending along at least a major lengthof the elongated member for receiving the elongated light source; anelongated slit that extends along at least a major length of the cavity,the slit extending into the cavity through the elongated member; anelongated carrier, the elongated earner having a slot for receiving atleast part of the elongated member, the slot and elongated member beingadapted so that at least part of the elongated member must be at leastpartially elastically deformed or bent to insert the at least part ofthe elongated member into the slot and the elongated carrier forcing theslit in the elongated member into a closed or substantially closedposition.
 15. An elongated light according to claim 14 wherein at leastpart of the elongated member must be at least partially elasticallydeformed or bent to insert the elongated light source through the slitand into the cavity.
 16. An elongated light according to claim 14further comprising means for latching the slit into a closed orsubstantially closed position.
 17. An elongated light according to claim14 wherein the slit in the elongated member is normally at leastpartially open when the at least part of the elongated member is notreceived by the slot, and wherein the elongated member must be at leastpartially elastically deformed or bent to close the slit when the atleast part of the elongated member is received by the slot.
 18. Anelongated light according to claim 14 wherein at least part of thecavity is defined by an at least semi-transparent material that extendsfrom the cavity to an outer surface of the elongated member.
 19. Anelongated light according to claim 14 wherein the elongated light sourceis an Electro-Luminescent wire.
 20. An elongated light according toclaim 14 wherein the elongated light source is a Linear Emitting Fiber.21. An elongated light according to claim 14 wherein the elongatedmember includes a resilient and durable surface so as to provide abumper function.
 22. An elongated light according to claim 21 furthercomprise a boat, wherein the elongated carrier and the elongated memberprovide a bumper function for the boat.
 23. An elongated light accordingto claim 21 further comprise a wall, wherein the elongated carrier andthe elongated member provide a bumper function for the wall.
 24. Anelongated light according to claim 21 further comprising a shelf,wherein the elongated carrier and the elongated member provide a bumperfunction for the shelf.
 25. An elongated light, comprising: anelectro-luminescent wire; an elongated member having a length with acavity, the cavity extending along at least part of the length of theelongated member and being adapted for receiving the electro-luminescentwire; and an elongated slit or opening that extends along at least partof the cavity, the elongated slit or opening extending into the cavitythrough the elongated member; an elongated carrier, the elongatedcarrier having a slot for receiving at least part of the elongatedmember, wherein the elongated slit or opening faces the elongatedcarrier when the at least part of the elongated member is received bythe slot, and wherein the slot is sized so that at least part of theelongated member must be forcibly inserted into the slot and theelongated carrier forcing the slit in the elongated member into a closedor substantially closed position.
 26. An elongated light according toclaim 25 wherein at least part of the cavity is defined by an at leastsemi-transparent material that extends from the cavity to an outersurface of the elongated member.
 27. An elongated light according toclaim 25 further comprising a stair step, wherein the elongated carrieris secured to the stair step.
 28. An elongated light according to claim25 wherein one or more of the elongated carrier and the elongated memberinclude a resilient and durable surface so as to provide a bumperfunction.
 29. An elongated light according to claim 28 furthercomprising a boat, wherein the elongated carrier and the elongatedmember provide a bumper function for the boat.
 30. An elongated lightaccording to claim 28 further comprising a wall, wherein the elongatedcarrier and the elongated member provide a bumper function for the wall.31. An elongated light according to claim 28 further comprising a shelf,wherein the elongated carrier and the elongated member provide a bumperfunction for the shelf.
 32. An elongated light for receiving anelongated light source, comprising: an elongated member having a cavityfor receiving the elongated light source and an elongated slit oropening that extends into the cavity through the elongated member,wherein at least part of the cavity is defined by an at leastsemi-transparent material that extends from the cavity to an outersurface of the elongated member; and an elongated carrier, the elongatedcarrier having a slot for receiving at least part of the elongatedmember, the slot and elongated member being adapted so that theelongated member and/or the elongated carrier is/are at least partiallyelastically deformed or bent when the at least part of the elongatedmember is inserted into the slot, and wherein the elongated slit oropening faces the elongated carrier when the at least part of theelongated member is received by the slot; and wherein the slot andelongated member are adapted so that when the at least part of theelongated member is received by the slot, the elongated carrier forcingthe slit or opening of the elongated member into a closed orsubstantially closed position.
 33. An elongated light according to claim32 further comprising a stair step, wherein the elongated carrier issecured to the stair step.
 34. An elongated light for receiving anelongated light source, the elongated light having a viewing side and anon-viewing side, comprising: an elongated member having a cavity forreceiving the elongated light source and an elongated slit or openingthat extends into the cavity through the elongated member, the elongatedslit or opening being located on a non-viewing side of the elongatedlight, at least part of the elongated member includes a transparentmaterial between the cavity and an outer surface of the elongated memberon the viewing side of the elongated light and a non-transparentmaterial between the cavity and an outer surface of the elongated memberalso on the viewing side of the elongated light.
 35. An elongated lightaccording to claim 34 further comprising an elongated carrier, theelongated carrier having a slot for receiving the elongated member,wherein the elongated slit or opening faces the elongated carrier whenthe elongated member is received by the slot.
 36. An elongated lightaccording to claim 35 wherein the elongated slit or opening is anelongated slit.
 37. An elongated light according to claim 35 wherein theelongated slit or opening is an elongated opening.
 38. An elongatedlight for receiving an elongated light source, comprising: an elongatedmember having a cavity for receiving the elongated light source and anelongated slit that extends into the cavity through the elongatedmember, the elongated slit being defined by two slit defining surfaces;and wherein a first one of the slit defining surfaces includes aprotrusion extending outward toward the second one of the slit definingsurfaces, and the second one of the slit defining surfaces includes arecess for receiving the protrusion of the first slit defining surface.39. An elongated light for receiving an elongated light source, theelongated light having a viewing side and a non-viewing side,comprising: an elongated member having a cavity for receiving theelongated light source and an elongated slit or opening that extendsinto the cavity through the elongated member, wherein at least part ofthe cavity is defined by an at least semi-transparent material thatextends from the cavity to an outer surface of the elongated member onthe viewing side of the elongated light, and at least part of theelongated member includes a non-transparent material between the cavityand an outer surface of the elongated member also on the viewing side ofthe elongated light.
 40. An elongated light for receiving an elongatedlight source, comprising: an elongated member having a cavity forreceiving the elongated light source and an elongated slit with a lengththat extends into the cavity through the elongated member, the elongatedslit being defined by two slit defining surfaces wherein at least partof the two slit defining surfaces are touching one another over amajority of the length of the slit; and wherein at least part of thecavity is defined by an at least semi-transparent material that extendsfrom the cavity to an outer surface of the elongated member, and atleast part of the elongated member includes a non-transparent materialbetween the cavity and an outer surface of the elongated member.
 41. Anelongated light for receiving an elongated light source, comprising: anelongated member having a cavity for receiving the elongated lightsource and an elongated slit or opening that extends into the cavitythrough the elongated member, wherein at least part of the cavity isdefined by an at least semi-transparent material that extends from thecavity to an outer surface of the elongated member; an elongatedcarrier, the elongated carrier having a slot for receiving at least partof the elongated member, the slot and elongated member being adapted sothat the elongated carrier is at least partially elastically deformed orbent when the at least part of the elongated member is inserted into theslot.
 42. An elongated light for receiving an elongated light source,comprising: an elongated member having a cavity for receiving theelongated light source and an elongated slit or opening that extendsinto the cavity through the elongated member, wherein at least part ofthe cavity is defined by an at least semi-transparent material thatextends from the cavity to an outer surface of the elongated member; anelongated carrier, the elongated carrier having a slot for receiving atleast part of the elongated member, the slot and elongated member beingadapted so that the elongated member and the elongated carrier are atleast partially elastically deformed or bent when the at least part ofthe elongated member is inserted into the slot.
 43. An elongated light,comprising: an elongated light source; an elongated member having alength with a cavity, the cavity extending along at least a major lengthof the elongated member for receiving the elongated light source; anelongated slit or opening that extends along at least a major length ofthe cavity, the slit or opening extending into the cavity through theelongated member; an elongated earner, the elongated carrier having aslot for receiving at least part of the elongated member, the slot andelongated member being adapted so that the elongated carrier is at leastpartially elastically deformed or bent when the at least part of theelongated member is inserted into the slot; and the slot and elongatedmember arc adapted so that when the at least part of the elongatedmember is in the slot, the elongated carrier provides a closing force tothe elongated slit or opening of the elongated member.
 44. An elongatedlight, comprising: an elongated light source; an elongated member havinga length with a cavity, the cavity extending along at least a majorlength of the elongated member for receiving the elongated light source;an elongated slit that extends along at least a major length of thecavity, the slit extending into the cavity through the elongated member;an elongated carrier, the elongated carrier having a slot for receivingat least part of the elongated member, the slot and elongated memberbeing adapted so that the elongated member and the elongated carrier areat least partially elastically deformed or bent when the at least partof the elongated member is inserted into the slot; and the slot andelongated member are adapted so that when the at least part of theelongated member is in the slot, the elongated carrier provides aclosing force to the elongated member to help keep the slit in theelongated member in a closed or substantially closed position.
 45. Anelongated light for receiving an elongated light source, comprising: anelongated member having a cavity for receiving the elongated lightsource and an elongated slit that extends into the cavity through theelongated member; an elongated carrier, the elongated carrier having aslot for receiving at least part of the elongated member, the slot andelongated member being adapted so that the elongated member is at leastpartially elastically deformed or bent when the elongated member isinserted into the slot and the elongated carrier providing a closingforce to the elongated member to keep the slit in the elongated memberin a closed or substantially closed position.